How to grow Comfrey in Australia
Grow comfrey in full sun to part shade in almost any soil, where it forms a tough, deep-rooted perennial clump. Water while it establishes, then it needs little care.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 5 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 60 cm
- Time to harvest: 60 days
- Time to germinate: 14 days
- Soil pH: 5.5 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to November | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to November | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to November | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to November | Perennial herb; frost-hardy. Dormant winter but regrows spring. Extend window. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to November | |
| Perth & WA | March to November | |
| Tasmania | March and April, September to November | Plant Sep to Nov or Mar to Apr. Fully hardy, dies down in winter. Contain it. |
| Canberra & ACT | March to November | Comfrey is hardy perennial; sow spring-autumn; extremely persistent; plant in contained area; frost-hardy, regrows after cutting. |
| North Queensland | May to November | Dry season main window. Comfrey (perennial) established; tolerates tropical dry season. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to November | Dry season main window. Comfrey (perennial) established; tolerates tropical dry season. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Cut the whole plant back to a hand above the crown when leaves are large and lush. It regrows fast and can be cut several times through the season.
Storage
Fresh leaves use immediately. Dry for poultice use.